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Our Focus is on the Facts

We believe sound fiscal and economic research is essential to uphold Iowa's economic vitality, future, and individual opportunity. 


Our Mission

It's Just Common Sense.

Common Sense Institute is a non-partisan research organization dedicated to the protection and promotion of Iowa's economy. CSI is at the forefront of important discussions concerning the future of free enterprise in Iowa and aims to have an impact on the issues that matter most to Iowan's.

 

Research
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Jobs & Our Economy
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Degrees without Demand: Inside the Talent Mismatch Costing Iowa Growth and Graduates

In a February 2026 report entitled “Educate. Graduate. Leave.,” CSI found only half of Iowa’s public university graduates remain in the state ten years after graduation.

March 30, 2026 Ben MurreyAndrzej Wieciorkowski
Jobs & Our Economy
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The Inflation Hangover How the Post-Pandemic Price Surge Reshaped Affordability in America

In the years since the COVID-19 pandemic, Americans have experienced one of the most abrupt economic swings in modern history.

March 19, 2026 Zachary Milne
Free Enterprise Report
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Free Enterprise Report: 2026 Edition

The Free Enterprise Report is a marquis report that provides an objective, non-partisan, fact-based analysis of the Iowa economic landscape and the state’s most pressing issues.

March 16, 2026 Steven L. Byers, Ph.D.Zachary MilneBen Murrey
Jobs & Our Economy
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Inflation in the Midwest - February 2026

Year-over-year inflation rose from 2.4% to 2.8% for the Midwest in February 2026

March 11, 2026 Andrzej Wieciorkowski
Iowa unemployment the same, but report says labor market may be weakening
The Center Square
July 22, 2024
SHERMAN: New Energy Bills Will Crush Iowans’ Wallets
The Iowa Standard
June 14, 2024
Caitlin Clark opens up on the ‘hardest part’ about being Caitlin Clark
New York Post
May 12, 2024
Basketball to business: Caitlin Clark’s economic impact
The Daily Iowan
April 30, 2024
Workforce
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Boosting Iowa's Economy: The Childcare Solutions Fund featuring Sherri Penney

Without affordable and reliable childcare, parents’—especially mothers—miss out on work. Learn more about the causes, solutions, potential impacts, and how childcare profoundly affects Iowa's workforce.

November 20, 2024 Ben Murrey
Healthcare
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Iowa's Healthcare Landscape featuring Dr. Chelsea Lensing

Iowa’s policymakers, providers, and insurers operate within a state comprised of an aging population and large rural areas.

October 07, 2024 Chelsea Lensing, Ph.D.Ben Murrey
Jobs & Our Economy
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Caitlin Clarkonomics and the Impact on Iowa featuring Ben Murrey

Our recent study, Clarkonomics, is not the first to explore the economics of Clark’s superstardom, but it takes a unique approach.

April 03, 2024 Ben Murrey
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Announcing the Launch of CSI Iowa featuring Joe Murphy and Ben Murrey

To discuss the launch of CSI Iowa, Host Earl Wright is joined by Joe Murphy, President of the Iowa Business Council and the inaugural CSI Iowa Board Chair, and Ben Murrey, CSI Iowa Director of Policy & Rese

February 22, 2024 Ben Murrey

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